Children's Discovery Center Networks Initiative
 


Local schoolchildren observe the NASA exhibit at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

  

The process of discovery has a transforming effect on children.  It not only sparks their creativity; it can open the secrets of science, mathematics and technology.  A growing number of children’s discovery museums and science centers throughout the United States play a special role in furthering such inquiry-based learning, working closely with the formal education system.

In 2002, the Foundation’s trustees launched an initiative aimed at improving and expanding the discovery experiences at hands-on museums in Arkansas, Nevada, and Oklahoma.  Key to achieving that goal has been the establishment of statewide networks of museums working together to strengthen each museum’s capacity and plan for shared exhibits and new programs to better reach rural children, their

teachers, and families. With the Foundation’s encouragement and assistance, networks have been planned in two states, and the first such network has been launched in Arkansas.  

The Foundation in 2003 awarded planning grants to identified “hub” museums that would coordinate possible networks in two states.  In Arkansas, the Museum of Discovery (www.amod.org) in Little Rock received $576,967.  In Oklahoma, the Omniplex (www.omniplex.org) of Oklahoma City received $502,650.  These planning grants were designed to support planning of statewide networks, aimed at improving statewide access to inquiry-based learning through collaboration and enhancement of the participating museums and centers.  The grants also support planning to strengthen the two grantee museums’ capacity to serve as network hubs, including provision for facilities improvements.  

In 2006, The Foundation made a five-year grant of $7,373,173 to fully launch the Donald W. Reynolds Arkansas Children’s Discovery Network. Partners in this Network are the Arts & Science Center of Southeast Arkansas in Pine Bluff, the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources in Smackover, the Arkansas State University Museum in Jonesboro, the Center for Math and Science Education in Fayetteville, the Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs, and the Texarkana Museum System in the border town of Texarkana, Texas.  The Museum of Discovery serves as the Network’s hub, providing administrative and technical support. 

Successful completion of these planning grants, followed by launch of a state-wide Network, will trigger the next phase of the Children’s Discovery Center Network Initiative.  It will focus on addressing the capital needs of the hub museums and then their designated partners.  Unsolicited proposals will not be considered.